You don’t need to jet off to far-flung destinations to experience paradise.
With the cost-of-living crisis biting, many people are understandably swapping their fortnight in sunny Spain or an exotic Maldives getaway for a staycation.
Despite our notorious weather and absence of duty-free, the UK boasts a wealth of hidden treasures and tourist hotspots that attracted a whopping 31 million visitors in 2022.
Traditional favourites like Cornwall and Devon, with their immaculate beaches and superior climate, are always a hit, but they can become unbearably crowded and pricey during the summer months.
Fortunately, there’s a plethora of alternatives for those seeking a week-long break without boarding a plane.
Jess, who goes by Where Jess Travels online, has amassed a remarkable 45,000 followers thanks to her complimentary travel guides and pre-planned itineraries.
In a recent TikTok video, the content creator sang the praises of the modest city of Canterbury, reports Kent Live.
She said: “If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to visit in the UK look no further than Canterbury.
“It’s most famous for the Canterbury Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site which sits at the centre of English history.”
Children aged 17 and under, as well as full-time students in Kent’s one and only city, can visit the magnificent Cathedral free of charge.
Standard adult tickets are set at £17, with English Heritage members enjoying a 20 per cent discount.
The cathedral, a Norman architectural marvel, is adorned with Medieval stained glass, houses an impressive library, and serves as a vibrant hub for worship, concerts, and a variety of events and exhibitions.
Jess said: “In the middle of the city, you’ll find one of the most beautiful places in England: Westgate Gardens. In summer, the flowers are in full bloom and it looks like something from a storybook.
“This scene in particular has been made pretty famous on social media, but it’s even more beautiful in real life.”
The Westgate Gardens span 4.5 hectares of lush public garden space, wrapping around a medieval bastion, offering free entry and serving as an idyllic spot for a picnic with loved ones.
For those keen to immerse themselves in the city’s rich tapestry of history, a private guided walking tour is available starting at £120 for groups of up to 10 people, or perhaps a serene boat trip along the river. Other must-see attractions include The Parrot, Canterbury’s oldest pub dating back to the 1600s, the Blean Woods Nature Reserve, and the bustling Goods Shed farmer’s market.
The comments section is abuzz with eager future visitors, all charmed by the enchanting city views and ready to map out their adventures. One excited commenter gushed: “Wow Canterbury is gorgeous! “.
Another said: “It looks like a fairy tale! ” And a third added: “It looks like the set for enchanted.”
Canterbury, with its two railway stations, is easily accessible from anywhere in Kent and beyond. London travellers can get tickets for £12.90, but those coming from the North should be prepared to pay a bit more.
The journey by road is also quick, just over two hours from the capital via the A2. Considering a stay at the Holiday Inn Express?
For a weekend stay accommodating two adults and two children under 14, including breakfast, from Friday, November 8 to Monday, November 11, you’ll need to shell out £235.
Alternatively, an entire Airbnb home is available for £322, providing savings on dining out with a kitchen at your disposal – however, this option won’t be available until mid-January.
On a tighter budget? Canterbury and its surrounding areas offer numerous caravan parks and glamping spots, perfect for a staycation.